Member Business Spotlight: Witty Wicks
A Women-Owned Business Built on Community, Resilience, and Local Support
At Empower Federal Credit Union, supporting our members means more than offering financial tools. It means celebrating the people and businesses that make our communities thrive.
We’re proud to turn the spotlight on Witty Wicks, a locally owned candle company founded by Syracuse entrepreneur Aubry Panek.
From a Basement Business to a Beloved Storefront
Witty Wicks began 14 years ago in Aubry’s basement. Not as part of a formal business plan, but as a creative opportunity that grew organically. While helping a friend with a soap business, Aubry discovered she had a talent for the craft plus the drive to build something of her own.
With no prior business background, she sourced materials within days and hosted her first open house from her home within a month. At the time, flexibility mattered most. As a stay-at-home mom, Aubry wanted to contribute to her family while still being present for her children.
“I ran my business the way I ran my household,” she explains. “Not typically how people run businesses. But it worked.”
Growing Through Challenges
As demand grew, so did Witty Wicks. What started as a one-woman operation evolved into a seasonal business with a strong local following. Today, Witty Wicks employs 10 team members year-round, with additional seasonal staff during peak months.
Opening a storefront was a major milestone, not to mention a major leap of faith. Aubry recalls how intimidating it felt to take on a $50,000 line of credit to expand the business. But that decision allowed her to hire staff, manage payroll, and prepare for the busiest time of year.
“The business is seasonal,” Aubry says. “We prepare all year for November.”
Like many entrepreneurs, she also navigated imposter syndrome along the way. As a woman business owner, she encountered moments that felt dismissive or condescending. But she never felt that way at Empower FCU.
A Financial Partner That Feels Personal
Over the years, Empower FCU has supported Aubry both professionally and personally. From everyday business banking needs to other financial moments, the credit union was there to meet her at those moments.
“I always felt respected,” Aubry shares. “They know me. They remember me. It’s professional, but it’s personal.”
According to Alisha Ingerson, Branch Manager at Empower FCU, supporting small businesses like Witty Wicks is a core focus, especially as the credit union continues to enhance its business banking services.
Supporting Small Businesses with the Right Tools
Empower FCU has expanded its business banking platform to better serve local entrepreneurs with tools designed to improve efficiency, security, and convenience, including:
- ACH Origination for payroll, vendor payments, and taxes
- Positive Pay to help protect against fraud
- Merchant Capture Deposit for remote check deposits
- Wire Transfer Services for secure, time-sensitive transactions
- Payroll and HR solutions through Paychex
- Merchant services powered by Clover
“These tools allow us to meet business owners where they are,” Alisha explains. “Many people want to keep their banking local instead of going to a large commercial bank, and we’re proud to offer affordable, easy, community-focused options.”
Lifting Others as She Climbs
Today, Witty Wicks is more than a candle shop. It’s a community hub. Aubry regularly invites other women-owned and small businesses to host pop-ups in her store, encouraging collaboration over competition.
Her philosophy is simple: “Lift as you climb.”
It’s a value that aligns closely with Empower FCU’s mission to invest in local people, local businesses, and the communities they serve.
Interested in learning more about Empower FCU’s business banking services?
Visit your local branch or explore our business solutions to see how we can support your next step.